Lionel Andrés Messi
Argentina solemly needed something special, from someone very special. FC Barcelona superstar, Lionel Andrés Messi defied the overwhelming odds to deliver a sublime left foot strike from eighteen yards in the dying moments of time added on in a Group C game to enable La Albiceleste a 1-0 win over Iran to qualify for the final sixteen at FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014. Vintage Messi.
Tim Cahill
Australia's talismanic captain, Tim Cahill, rampantly risen like a kangaroo to the expertly convert a trademark headed goal in the socceroo's opener against Chile. However, the wonderful coupe de gráce was specifically reserved for the 34-year-old New York Red Bulls and former Everton maestro in Australia's second game versus Louis van Gaal's Netherlands. Cahill perfectly conjured a tremendously timed thunderbolt left foot volley from a delightful high cross from the right side, which the Australian star thunderously cannoned off the crossbar and into the back of the net in exquisite fashion on the grandest stage - FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.
Arjen Robben
It would undeniably be best described as a Mini attempting to chase a Porsche in soccer analogy. Arjen Robben rapidly accelerated on the The Netherlands break, leaving a herd of clueless Spanish defenders at his very disposal with perfect control, then subsequently firing past a woeful Iker Casillas in a sensational 5-1 victory. The mercurial Dutch master imprinted his name on the tournament from the get-go.
Jermaine Jones
Jermaine Jones punctuated an inspirational 2-1 lead for USMNT with an accurately unstoppable right footed rocket against Portugal from distance. The magnificent goal from the competitive German-born midfielder was certainly one that very few goalkeepers in the world could have claimed to prevent from sailing in. The fiesty Besiktas holding midfielder - not noted for goalscoring - shown the adept precision of a striker in singularly placing Portugal's back against the wall.
Daniel Sturridge
The classy building of the equalizing goal involved Raheem Sterling majestically distributing a timely through ball pass through four Italian players to find Wayne Rooney on the left channel, with the Manchester United superstar superbly threading a well-timed assist on his weak foot (left) past three solid Italian defenders to find, Daniel Sturridge, who issues an vital exclaimation point of a finish that even the legendary Brazilian legend, Romário, would be so proud of. Subtle brilliance and textbook clinical finishing at its finest for the Three Lions.
Robin van Persie
It was a superbly headed goal that possessed the benevolent grace of Marco van Basten, accompanied with the god-given precise touch of Dennis Bergkamp. The clear vision, amazing timing, and mercurial finish of Robin van Persie's leaping diving header past Iker Casillas confirmed the world-class caliber of the 30-year-old Dutchman. A stunning goal that will be replayed for many years to come in the van Persie highlight reel.
Lionel Andrés Messi
Messi radared a rather vulnerable Vincent Enyeama, who co-ordinated - and wildly barked - at The Super Eagles wall to no avail after Argentina attained a free kick in a direct position. The FC Barcelona superstar stunningly swerved a meticulously placed left foot free kick past the helpless Nigerian goalkeeper. The exceptional Argentine's free kick appeared so effortless and graceful, yet so timeless regardless how many times this piece of Messi magic is viewed.
James Rodriguez
The talented AS Monaco star received a brilliantly placed pass via an unsure Japan defense which lead to the talented Colombian to delicately weave, cut inside and humiliate the same Japanese defender before crucially slotting home with a finely confident touch. James Rodriguez has provided hope and excitement for Colombia sans Radamel Falcao. A touch of class.
Neymar
The official face of the tournament - Neymar - cooly opened his scoring account against Croatia in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 with an unorthodox long range left footed strike that subtlely ricocheted off the left post. Neymar set the general tempo of exploits in scoring without failing to deliver, despite the weight of the world on his shoulders. The skillful samba party ignited early for Neymar in Brazil in aiming to secure both the FIFA World Cup and Golden Boot honors.
Luis Suárez
The vast importance of the defining second strike by Luis Suárez against England was simply immeasarable for Uruguay, with lighting gravely striking twice for an England team expected to marginally expose a documented slow and vulnerable La Celeste defense. Suárez's positioning, anticipation, and daunting kiss of death remotely shattered England's ambition of proceeding into the final sixteen. The most positive watermark of an otherwise disgraceful campaign at FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 for the now disgraced Liverpool striker.
